Open University Of Sri Lanka | Course Fees | Admissions
General Information
Reviews
The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) is widely recognized for its flexible, accessible, and inclusive approach to higher education, making it a preferred option for working adults, nontraditional learners, and individuals from remote regions of the country. Many student reviews highlight the university’s distinctive open and distance learning (ODL) system, which enables learners to pursue certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and postgraduate qualifications without the need to relocate or follow strict full-time schedules. Students often express appreciation for the affordability of programmes and the ability to study while managing employment or personal responsibilities. OUSL is frequently praised for offering opportunities to individuals who may not have had access to conventional university pathways, thereby promoting educational equity. While some reviews mention occasional delays or administrative challenges due to the institution’s large student population, most commend the supportive academic environment, the availability of regional and study centres, and the overall mission of empowering diverse learners. In general, OUSL is seen as a reliable institution that opens doors to lifelong learning, career advancement, and self-improvement, earning it the reputation of being a university built for the people.
Contact Information
Address: P.O. Box 21, Nawala, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
Phone Numbers: +94 11 2881 000, 070 2067 059, 070 2067 058
Email Address: pio@ou.ac.lk
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1980 |
| Motto / Vision / Mission | Vision: To attain excellence in life-changing education by providing equitable learning opportunities. Mission: To provide lifelong learning opportunities through Open, Distance and Flexible Education with a commitment to excellence in teaching and research. |
| Type | Public National University (Open and Distance Learning) |
| Faculties | Six |
| Student Body | 40,000+ learners |
Open University of Sri Lanka Rankings
| Category | Rank / Status |
|---|---|
| National Ranking | Recognized as Sri Lanka’s premier Open & Distance Learning university |
| International Ranking | Not ranked in major global ranking systems |
| National Reach | Largest ODL student population in Sri Lanka |
Open University of Sri Lanka Academics
Open University of Sri Lanka Faculties / Departments
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering Technology
- Faculty of Natural Sciences
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Management Studies
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Open University of Sri Lanka Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Certificate Programs
- Diploma Programs
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- Postgraduate Diplomas
- Master’s Degrees
- PhD / MPhil Programs
- Professional and Continuing Education Courses
- Short Courses in various disciplines
Online Courses / Online Learning
The Open University of Sri Lanka is built on an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) framework, allowing students to pursue education from anywhere in the country. Course materials are delivered through printed modules, online learning systems, recorded lectures, digital resources, and occasional in-person sessions at regional centres. This format is highly advantageous for individuals who work full-time, live in geographically distant areas, or require flexible learning schedules. The university’s online platform supports interactive learning while allowing students to progress at a personalized pace. Many programmes integrate virtual learning tools to enhance student engagement, making the system adaptable, accessible, and supportive of modern learners.
Degrees
- Undergraduate Degrees
- Postgraduate Degrees
- Doctoral Degrees (PhD)
- Professional Diplomas
- Certificates
- Short Professional Programs
Summer School
The Open University of Sri Lanka does not follow a traditional summer school system due to its flexible open-learning structure. Instead, students proceed through modules at their own pace, with course availability determined by academic scheduling rather than seasonal semesters.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not applicable |
| ACT | Not applicable |
| GRE | Not applicable |
Retention and Graduation Rates
OUSL does not publish specific retention and graduation statistics due to its highly flexible, self-paced learning model. However, the university consistently supports thousands of graduates each year across certificates, diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Students who remain committed to their modular schedules and assessments typically achieve strong academic outcomes, and the institution’s extensive support network contributes to steady progression for motivated learners.
Open University of Sri Lanka Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
The Open University of Sri Lanka does not use GPA, SAT, or ACT scores as admission requirements. Entry is based on national qualifications such as GCE A-Levels, professional experience, or completion of entry-level certification courses depending on the programme.
Open University of Sri Lanka Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| General Acceptance Rate | High due to open-admissions structure |
Open University of Sri Lanka Application Requirements
Application requirements vary by programme but typically include proof of educational qualifications such as GCE A-Level passes, national certifications, or equivalent credentials. Some programmes require prerequisite subjects, particularly in science or engineering fields, while postgraduate programmes require recognized bachelor’s degrees or professional experience. Applicants must also provide personal identification, fill out the official application form, and select the appropriate study centre. OUSL’s inclusive structure emphasizes accessibility, making it ideal for adult learners and individuals seeking flexible entry pathways.
Enrollment
Total enrollment: Over 40,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and continuing education programmes.
Application Process
- Obtain application form online or through a regional centre
- Submit required documents and identification
- Select programme and study mode
- Pay registration and examination fees
- Receive study materials and begin coursework
Open University of Sri Lanka Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Category | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Main Intake | Published annually by the university |
| Additional Enrollments | Rolling, depending on programme availability |
Essay Prompt
Most programmes do not require essay prompts; admissions are based on academic qualifications and prerequisites rather than personal essays.
Open University of Sri Lanka Scholarships
OUSL offers limited financial support, fee concessions, or special assistance for eligible students, especially those facing economic challenges. Support varies by programme and may be reviewed case-by-case.
Open University of Sri Lanka Tuition Fees
| Program Level | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Certificates | Varies by module |
| Diplomas | Varies by field |
| Bachelor’s Degrees | Modular fees depending on faculty |
| Postgraduate Programs | Higher than undergraduate but moderately priced |
Open University of Sri Lanka Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
OUSL’s student population is highly diverse, representing various age groups, backgrounds, and regions of Sri Lanka. Students include school leavers, working adults, parents, military personnel, teachers, and professionals seeking career advancement. Gender distribution varies across faculties but is generally balanced. The university’s open-learning structure attracts learners from urban and rural areas alike, creating an inclusive and representative academic community.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
OUSL’s open-distance model reduces financial and mobility barriers, making education more accessible to low-income students and individuals with disabilities. Flexible schedules, regional centres, and modular payments help ensure that financial constraints do not prevent students from pursuing higher education. Though specific disability services are not widely documented, the overall structure supports learners with varied needs.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 40,000+ |
| Undergraduate Students | Majority |
| Postgraduate Students | Several thousand |
| International Students | Limited |
University Diversity
Diversity is one of OUSL’s core strengths. The institution serves students from every province of Sri Lanka, spanning all age categories from young adults to mature learners pursuing second degrees or professional development. This diversity is also reflected in socioeconomic backgrounds, professional experiences, and linguistic groups. By offering courses in multiple modalities and maintaining regional study centres across the country, OUSL ensures that students from rural and underserved communities have the opportunity to pursue higher education. The blending of working professionals, first-time university students, and experienced adult learners creates a unique academic culture where knowledge exchange extends beyond textbooks. Due to its national mission of equitable learning, the university is committed to serving all segments of society and building an inclusive higher-education environment.
Average Earnings
Since OUSL supports learners across multiple academic and professional paths, graduate earnings vary widely. Many students pursue programmes while employed, leading to career advancement, salary increases, or promotions upon completion. For those entering new fields such as teaching, management, engineering technology, or nursing, qualifications from OUSL often improve employability and provide stepping stones to higher salaries. The self-paced structure allows many learners to maintain income during study, reducing financial strain and creating long-term benefits. Overall, OUSL graduates typically experience improved earning potential in alignment with their chosen fields and credentials.
Graduation Rate
Graduation rates vary due to flexible and self-paced pathways. While exact figures are not publicly consolidated, many students complete their studies successfully through consistent engagement with course modules and assessments.
Open University of Sri Lanka Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
OUSL’s faculty and staff include lecturers, professors, tutors, and administrative personnel who support teaching, research, and distance-learning operations. Staff members manage curriculum development, academic counselling, laboratory sessions, examinations, and the distribution of course materials. The nationwide network of regional centres is staffed with trained professionals who assist students with registration, academic guidance, and support services, ensuring smooth academic progress across the country.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members come from diverse academic fields and hold advanced professional and research qualifications. Many have expertise in education, engineering technology, natural sciences, management, humanities, and health sciences. They contribute to curriculum design, academic research, and the development of self-instructional learning modules tailored to the ODL model. Their collective expertise enhances the university’s academic credibility and ensures high-quality instruction.
Open University of Sri Lanka Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
OUSL operates differently from traditional universities, as most students study remotely through the ODL system. The main campus is located in Nawala–Nugegoda, supported by multiple regional and study centres throughout the country. Students visit these centres for labs, exams, counselling, or resource access. OUSL does not offer traditional on-campus housing because most learners continue to live at home or work while studying. Student life is characterized by flexibility, independence, and part-time engagement, with occasional workshops, practical sessions, and academic events held at various centres.
Transportation
Transportation varies depending on a student’s proximity to regional centres. Students in urban areas typically use public transport or private vehicles to attend required sessions. Those in rural areas benefit from the limited need for physical attendance, as most coursework is completed remotely. The flexible model reduces the burden of daily commuting and supports learners who may face transportation challenges.
Job Openings
The Open University of Sri Lanka regularly announces employment opportunities for academic staff, administrative personnel, technical officers, research assistants, tutors, and support staff. Opportunities often arise in faculties such as Engineering Technology, Natural Sciences, and Education, as well as in regional centre operations. Candidates with experience in teaching, research, or distance education are frequently encouraged to apply.